Get Up Close And Personal With Elk and Bison At Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge In Nebraska
By Liz Oliver|Published January 01, 2020
×
Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Nebraska is home to many unique species of flora and fauna. Many of the native species that once roamed the vast lands of the Cornhusker State are now in danger of disappearing from our state forever. That’s why places like Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge are working to preserve our wildlife for generations to come. You’ll want to visit Fort Niobrara, in Valentine, Nebraska, to get up-close looks at bison, elk, and even prairie dogs!
Before officially harboring Nebraska's plant and wildlife population, the area surrounding the Niobrara River was home to a frontier military fort. After the fort closed in 1906, local and federal officials began to see the importance of preserving the land for native wildlife.
An Executive Order was signed on January 11, 1912, declaring Fort Niobrara a refuge for birds. Later, elk and bison were introduced to the refuge in hopes of reestablishing the herds that once roamed the Great Plains.
Now the refuge is an amazing escape into the wonders of natural Nebraska. Visitors can hike to see the falls or drive through the refuge in hopes of spotting wildlife.
While these animals may seem tame, they are still quite wild. Remember to always keep a safe distance away and never feed any animals. Even at a distance, the elk look huge and majestic.
Elk are native to the Fort Niobrara area. Despite having been hunted nearly to extinction at one time, their numbers have flourished in the refuge. Now you can hunt for the perfect photo. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of Nebraska.
One of the most amazing sights at Fort Niobrara is the huge herd of bison. Seeing these massive animals transports you back in time and is truly awe-inspiring. The herd here is comprised of about 350 bison.
Bison are also native to Nebraska. Full-grown males often weight up to 2,000 pounds. So it's no wonder that these animals were hunted in large numbers during the 1800s. Luckily, because of conservation, their numbers are rebounding across the plains.
Ready for some cuteness? Many visitors are often surprised to find prairie dogs roaming the grounds. In addition to elk and bison, Fort Niobrara is home to hundreds of species of birds, deer, and fish. Hunting and fishing are permitted during their proper seasons.
If you're looking to reconnect with nature, there is no better place to visit than Fort Niobrara. The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is worth visiting during each and every season.
Have you visited Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge? Did you get a close look at the buffalo or elk? What other amazing thing did you see in the wilds of Nebraska? Tell us in the comments below. Visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for more information about the wildlife refuge.
Looking to find more ways to connect with animals? Check out this goat and sheep rescue in Nebraska where you can practice yoga with some furry friends.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
